I inherited 2 20 yr old large ferns. Can the plastic pots be painted?

Nancy Lopez
by Nancy Lopez
The ferns are in plastic pots and the colors have faded throughout the years. They are too heavy to transfer to new pots. Any idea how to get them to look new again? Would contact paper work? Or would I be able to paint them?
  9 answers
  • Your local home center has plastic paint that comes in many colors and textures.

  • Barb Barb on May 30, 2017

    yes you can paint them just protect the plants while painting. You can get paint made for plastic. You can get it @ lowes or any store like that. Comes in many colors

  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on May 30, 2017

    Yes, the pots can be painted . If you want to spray paint , protect your plants by making a cone similar to the one that the vet makes for the dog to keep it from chewing, with cardboard or several layers of newspapers .

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 30, 2017

    You will not be able to paint the pots with the plants in them,the chemicals from the paint will kill them,Try researching a plastic covering that can withstand outdoor conditions.

  • Jane Starcher Jane Starcher on May 30, 2017

    Janet Pizaro I have painted pots with plants in them for years and have never had a plant have adverse effects or die. I wrap newspaper around the plant and soil and paint the pot.

  • Nancy Lopez Nancy Lopez on May 30, 2017

    Thanks! The chemicals never occurred to me. Will look into another method.

  • Beachem2015 Beachem2015 on May 30, 2017

    If you protect your plants (like suggested above) the paint will not permeate the plastic and will not harm the plants. Look for the Krylon spray paint specifically made for adhereing to plastic - wonderful colors!

  • Lisa L Hall Lisa L Hall on May 30, 2017

    Certainly. You will have to make sure that the soil, plant, and a portion of the interior side of the pot are completely sealed off to any type of spray paint that you will be using. If you are using a brush, make sure to cover the soil and a portion of the inside of the pot that will touch the soil so no paint gets into the soil.

  • Jane Starcher Jane Starcher on May 30, 2017

    Nancy I have used spray paint,interior house paint,exterior house paint, acrylic paints and even home made chalk paint on plastic,clay and ceramic pots. I change my colors every year to match my porch,deck and yard :)